Strickland attempted to bribe Judge Sylvania Woods to show leniency toward one of Strickland's friends who had a case pending be
fore the judge. Judge Woods immediately reported this to the state's attorney and was asked to play along with Strickland until the actual payment of money occurred. Strickland gave $2,500 to the judge, who promptly turned it over to the state's attorney's office. Strickland was indicted for bribery, pled guilty, and was sentenced to a four-year prison term. Three months after the criminal trial, Strickland filed a motion for the return of his $2,500. Will the court order the return of his money
No, the court will not return the $2500 back to Strickland but rather, the money has been forfeited to the government due to the circumstances around it.
<em>Since the money was a bribe offered, it is within the view of the government to withheld the money as evidence as well as take the money due to the illegal purpose it tends to actualize when it was offered.</em>
